Indian airlines seeking a comprehensive bailout package said the Centre’s stimulus moves will give little relief considering the fleets are grounded and daily losses are mounting due to the lockdown. “We needed government support to survive the lockdown and further support to revive the sector after the lockdown is lifted,” said a New Delhi-based senior airline official, who requested anonymity. “Right now we have received neither.”
The clampdown on Indian aviation began in mid-February with a ban on flights to and from coronavirus-hit countries. Thereafter, India suspended all domestic and international commercial flights on 25 March when the lockdown was imposed.
Since then, the lockdown has been extended thrice, forcing airlines to cancel bookings till at least 31 May.
